Absorbent personal care article having intermeshing flaps

ABSTRACT

An absorbent personal care article, such as a sanitary napkin or incontinence pad, having a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline and including a pair of opposed first and second wings extending along the longitudinal sides of the article. The first wing includes two or more peaks with furrows there between and the second wing includes one or more peaks. The peaks of the first and second wings are sized and positioned on the article such that when folded under the article and around the wearer&#39;s undergarments, the peak of the second wing extends across the longitudinal centerline of the article and into the furrow of the first wing. The inter-meshing wings help wearer&#39;s properly don the articles, improve the attachment of the article to the wearer&#39;s garment and/or reduce unwanted twisting or bunching of the article during use.

PRIORITY

This non-provisional application claims priority of ProvisionalApplication No. 61/558,259, filed on Nov. 10, 2011. The entirety ofApplication No. 61/558,259 is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fastening systems for absorbentpersonal care articles. More particularly, it relates to absorbentpersonal care articles having foldable wings or flaps that can beemployed to properly position and attach the absorbent articles toundergarments or other articles of clothing.

BACKGROUND

Absorbent personal care articles such as sanitary napkins, panty linersand incontinence pads commonly utilize a pair of wings or flaps whichare used to help secure the article in place to the wearer'sundergarments. Generally, the wings are folded around the outside of thewearer's undergarment and attach to the outside of the undergarment viaadhesive or other fastening means. Once secured to the undergarment thewings help reduce the likelihood that the article will become dislodgedand move out of position. Examples of such foldable wing fasteners areshown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,876 Van Tilberg; EP0511905B1Pigneul; U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,268 Rodier; and EP1208823A1 Hohmann.

However, while wings of various size and shape have previously beenused, there remain a number of drawbacks to these designs. First, manywings do not adequately prevent the article from bunching or twistingdue to the stresses imparted on the article as the wearer moves. Second,misapplication of the article to the undergarment can also greatlyincrease the risk of leakage. In this regard, it can be difficult forwearers to place conventional wings properly onto their undergarment andwhen the wings are improperly fastened the absorbent article can bebunched or partially twisted as donned or more easily become twisted orbunched with the wearer's movement. Twisting of the article and/or thedeformation of the article when worn can result in the article being atan angle relative to the wearer as opposed to being perpendicular to orflat against the wearer. When the article is sidewardly angled to thewearer the ability of the article to take in and absorb fluids can bereduced to an extent such that the article functions significantly lesseffectively than desired. Further, bunching of the article results inthe article covering considerably less area under the vaginal regionthan desired. Thus, such unwanted twisting and bunching of the articlecan result in increased frequency of leakage and staining of thewearer's garments.

Thus, there exists a continued need for an absorbent personal carearticle having foldable wings that assist the wearer with properplacement and donning of the article.

There further exists a need for such an article wherein the foldablewings also help maintain the article in an uncontorted and/or generallyflap shape in order to minimize the incidence of leakage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses problems experienced with the flapdesigns of the prior art by providing an absorbent personal care articleincluding (i) a left flap having first and second peaks and a furrowpositioned there between, and (ii) a right flap having a first peak. Theleft and right flaps are positioned on opposed longitudinal sides of thearticle and sized such that, when the flaps are folded under the articleand extended so that they lay flat against the liquid impermeablebacksheet, the right flap peak extends across the longitudinalcenterline of the article and into the left flap furrow.

In a further aspect of the invention, the left and right flaps can beintegrally shaped and sized such that the wings substantially inter-meshwith or conform to one another when folded under and around the article.In still a further embodiment, the left and right flaps may define aspace or gap between them along the substantial length of the flaps whenthe flaps are folded under the article lying flat adjacent the liquidimpermeable backsheet. In an alternate embodiment, the left and rightflaps can be sized and shaped so as to form one or more discrete areasof overlap when the flaps are folded under and around the article andlay flat against the liquid impermeable backsheet.

In a further aspect of the invention, the left and right flaps mayinclude fasteners located on the garment facing side of the flap peakssuch that the fastener extends across the longitudinal centerline of thearticle and either into the furrow of the opposed flap or over theopposed flap. This may be achieved, in one embodiment, by placing thefastener proximate the outer edges of the flap peaks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a representative partially cut away plan view of oneembodiment of a sanitary napkin of the present invention in a flat andunfolded state.

FIG. 2 is a representative plan view of a sanitary napkin of analternate embodiment of the present invention suitable for use with bothtraditional and tanga style underwear.

FIGS. 3-6 are enlarged views of individual embodiments of wings of thepresent invention shown in an inter-meshing relationship as foldeddirectly under the personal care article lying flat against thebacksheet.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the drawings show absorbent personal carearticles in a flat and unfolded state. Except as otherwise noted,discussion of dimensions of the article and/or the positions ofindividual components thereof are in reference to the article being in aflat and unfolded state and further, in the event elasticated componentsare utilized, dimensions are in reference to the article being in anuncontracted state. Further, as used herein, the terms “comprising” or“including” are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additionalunrecited elements, compositional components, or method steps.Accordingly, the terms “comprising” or “including” encompass the morerestrictive terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.”

In reference to FIG. 1, an absorbent personal care article 10 isprovided comprising a liquid permeable topsheet 12, a liquid impermeablebacksheet 14 and an absorbent core 16. The absorbent article 10 has alengthwise or longitudinal direction and a widthwise or transversedirection. The longitudinal centerline of the article 10 is shown asline “L” and the transverse centerline of the article 10 is shown asline “T”. The absorbent article 10 can comprise any one of numerouselongate shapes including, but not limited to, triangular, rectangular,dog-bone and elliptical. In addition, it will often times be desirablefor the article to have rounded corners and/or generally convex ends.

The absorbent article desirably has a length between about 80 mm andabout 450 mm, and still more desirably a length between about 150 mm toabout 250 mm. The absorbent article 10 desirably has a maximum width(excluding the wings) between about 40 and about 160 mm, and still moredesirably a maximum width between about 65 mm and about 95 mm.

The absorbent article 10 further includes a first wing 20 and secondwing 30 extending from opposite longitudinal sides of the article 10.The first and second wings 20, 30 desirably extend from about 20% toabout 75% of the length of the article 10. In a further aspect, thewings desirably have a length, in the longitudinal direction L, of fromabout 40 mm to about 160 mm, and still more desirably a length fromabout 95 mm to about 145 mm. The wings can be positioned about thetransverse centerline or may be positioned either some distance forwardor rear of the transverse centerline as may be desired to betteraccommodate the particular shape of the article and/or use on aparticular style of garment. In addition, while not shown, it is notedthat absorbent articles can, if desired, contain more than one set ofopposed wings of the present invention.

A portion of the outside surface of the wings 20, 30 include one or morefasteners 26, 36. The fastener will be selected to releasably engageeither a garment or an overlapping portion of an opposed wing. Numerousadhesives and mechanical hook-type fasteners that releasably attach toitself or a user's garments are well known in the art and are suitablefor use in connection with the present invention. Pressure sensitiveadhesives are particularly well suited for use with the presentinvention. However, in order to protect the adhesive from contaminationor drying prior to use, the adhesive is commonly protected by one ormore releasable peel strips as is known in the art. A suitablereleasable peel strip is a white Kraft paper having a silicone coatingon one side so that it can be easily released from the adhesive. Inaddition, with respect to wing-to-wing attachment, examples of specificmechanical hook, adhesive and other fastening systems include but arenot limited to those described in WO03/015682 to Hammonds et al.;WO03/015684 to Hammonds et al. and US20040133179 to Steger et al.

The first wing 20 includes at least a first peak 21 and a second peak 22and a furrow base 24 spanning the peaks; the inner edges of the firstand second peaks 21, 22 and the furrow base 24 define a groove or furrow24A in the first wing 20. The shapes of the peaks and furrow(s) can varyas desired including both rectilinear and curvilinear configurations.The wing 20 and components thereof are sized such that, when the wing 20is folded around the underside of the article and the wing 21 lays flatagainst the backsheet 14, portions of the first and second peaks 21, 22extend across the longitudinal centerline L whereas the furrow base 24does not extend across or even to the longitudinal centerline. Thus, thespecific dimensions for the wings will be selected in relation to thecorresponding width of the absorbent article. In one aspect, thedimension of the peak in the transverse direction may be at least 50% ofthe width of the adjacent section of the absorbent core. In a furtheraspect, the distance from the middle of the first peak to the middle ofthe furrow base 24 is desirably at least about 20 mm and still moredesirably between about 20 mm and about 60 mm.

The second wing 30 includes at least a first peak 31 and first andsecond shoulders 38, 39 positioned on opposite sides of the first peak31 of the second wing 30. Individual elements of the second wing 30 canhave dimensions the same as or similar to those of the first wing 20.However, as discussed in more detail below, desirably the peaks,furrows, and/or shoulders of the first and second wings are shaped so tocoincide with one another. The second wing 30 and components thereof aresized such that, when second wing 30 is folded around the underside ofthe article and lays flat against the backsheet 14, portions of thefirst peak 31 extend across the longitudinal centerline L whereas theshoulders 38, 39 do not extend across or even to the longitudinalcenterline L. The shapes of the peak(s), furrow(s) and/or shoulders canvary as desired including both rectilinear and curvilinearconfigurations.

The first and second wings 20, 30 are positioned along the longitudinalsides of the article 10 wherein the furrow base 24 of the first wing 20lies in the same plane as the first peak 31 of the second wing. Stateddifferently, the first and second wings 20, 30 are positioned alongopposed longitudinal sides of the article 10 such that, when the firstand second wings 20, 30 are folded around the underside of the article10 and extended to lay flat against the backsheet 14, the first peak 31of the second wing 30 extends into the furrow 24A of the first wing 20(the furrow 24A of the first wing 20 being defined by the peaks 21, 22and furrow base 24).

In one embodiment and in reference to FIG. 3, the first and second wings20, 30 can be sized and shaped so that, when folded around the undersideof the article 10 and extended to lay flat against the backsheet 14, thewings 20, 30 do not overlap thereby leaving a space or gap “G” betweenthem. In the embodiment shown, the wings 20, 30 are sized and shaped sothat they substantially intermesh but leave a substantially uniform gap“G” between them when folded around the underside of the article so asto lay flat against the backsheet 14. Desirably in such embodiments thewings leave a gap “G” of less than about 20 mm and still more desirablyless than about 15 mm. Thus, in use, the first wing 20 and second wing30 extend around the crotch portion of the garment, and the first peak31 of the second wing 30 extends into the furrow 24A of the first wing20 in a mating relationship. In a further aspect, the first and secondpeaks 21, 22 of the first wing 20 and the shoulders 38, 39 of the secondwing 30 similarly lie in a corresponding relationship having a similargap between the respective edges. Primary fasteners 26, 36, such aspressure sensitive adhesive, can be positioned adjacent the outer edgesof the peaks such that, when the wings 20, 30 are folded under thearticle so that the wings 20, 30 lie flat against the backsheet 14, thefasteners 26, 36 lie on the opposite side of the longitudinal centerline relative to which the wing is attached. The wings may alsooptionally include secondary fasteners 27, 37 located proximate to outeredges of the furrow base 24, shoulders 38, 39 or base of the peaks 21,22, 31. The primary fasteners 26, 36 may lie entirely or partiallybeyond the longitudinal center line when the wings 20, 30 are foldedaround the underside of the article 10 and lay flat against thebacksheet 14. As shown in FIG. 3, when the wings 20, 30 are foldedaround the underside of the article 10 and lay flat against thebacksheet 14, the primary fasteners 26, 36 are positioned entirely onthe opposite side of the longitudinal center line “L” relative to theside that the wing extends from.

In a further embodiment, and in reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the firstand second wings 20, 30 are sized and shaped so that the wings formoverlap regions 50 when folded around the underside of the article 10and extended to lay flat against the backsheet 14. Thus, in use, thefirst wing 20 and second wing 30 can extend around the crotch portion ofthe garment and the first peak 31 of the second wing 30 extends over thefurrow base 24 of the first wing 20 in an overlapping relationship. Inthis embodiment the wings are sized and shaped so as to inter-mesh in amanner such that the wings superpose one another. When the wings 20, 30are folded around the underside of the article 10 so as to lay flatagainst the backsheet 14, individual overlap regions 50 formed by thesuperposed portions of the first wing 20 and second wing 30 desirablyeach comprise an area of at least about 50 mm², more desirably betweenabout 50-600 mm² and still more desirably between about 100-250 mm². Ina particular embodiment and in reference to FIG. 4, the dimension of thewings relative to the width of the article 10 (exclusive of the wings)is such that the first and second wings 20, 30 form overlap regions 50adjacent the outer edges of the peaks 21, 22 and 31 extending generallyin the longitudinal direction. In a further particular embodiment and inreference to FIG. 5, the shape and dimension of the wings 20, 30relative to the width of the article 10 (exclusive of the wings) is suchthat the first and second wings 20, 30 form overlap regions 50 adjacentthe side edges of the peaks 21, 22 and 31 extending generally in thetransverse direction T. The wings 20, 30 can include fasteners (notshown) positioned on one or both areas of the wings intended to overlapand directly engage one another. Desirably the fasteners are positionedadjacent the edges of the peaks 21, 22, 31. The wings may optionallyinclude secondary fasteners such as pressure sensitive adhesive locatedin one or more areas of the wings 20, 30 intended to overly the garmentwhen worn.

In still a further embodiment and in reference to FIG. 6, the secondwing 30 can have a shape the same as or substantially similar to that ofthe first wing 20. Thus, in this embodiment, the first wing 20 andsecond wing 30 each have first peaks 21, 31, second peaks 22, 32 andfurrow bases 24, 34 respectively. The first peaks 21, 31 and secondpeaks 22, 32 are sized so as to extend beyond the longitudinalcenterline “L” when the wings 20, 30 are folded under the backside ofthe article and extended so as to lay flat against the backsheet 14. Inaddition, the wings 20, 30 are off-set from one another such that, whenthe wings are folded around the underside of the article and extended sothat the wings 20, 30 lay flat against the backsheet 14, the first peak31 of the second flap 30 extends into the furrow of the first wing 20and the first peak 21 of the first wing 20 extends into the furrow ofthe second wing 30. As will be readily understood by one skilled in theart, the multiple peaks of the wings can be configured to havenon-overlapping relationships, overlapping relationships or both anoverlapping and non-overlapping relationship. Accordingly, the wingswill contain a plurality of fasteners in accord with the selectedoverlap scheme and fastening mechanism. In reference to FIG. 6, theprimary fasteners 26, 36 traverse the longitudinal centerline “L.”

The front and rear halves of each wing can be symmetrical orasymmetrical as desired. For example, in one embodiment and in referenceto FIG. 1, the front and rear halves of the wings, i.e. the halves aboveand below the transverse centerline in the longitudinal direction, aresymmetrical. The absorbent core in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is alsosymmetrical and commonly it will be desirable for the wings to besymmetrical when the absorbent core is symmetrical. In an alternateembodiment, and in reference to FIG. 2, the absorbent core 16 is shapedhaving wider front (F) and narrower rear (R) sections in order to betterconform to a tanga or thong type undergarments as well as for use inconnection with certain overnight pads. The wings are thereforeconfigured to correspond with the difference in the width of the article10. More specifically, the first peak 21 of first wing 20, which ispositioned adjacent a wider section of the absorbent core 16, has agreater dimension in the transverse direction than the rearward secondpeak 22 of the first wing 20. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 thewings 20, 30 are centered about the transverse centerline “T” of thearticle however, as noted previously, the wings 20, 30 can be positionedeither forwardly or rearwardly relative to the transverse centerline asdesired.

With respect to the general function and composition of the article 10,the backsheet or outer cover 12 functions to isolate absorbed fluidsfrom the wearer's garments and therefore comprises a liquid-imperviousmaterial. In one aspect the outer cover may optionally comprise amaterial that prevents the passage of liquids but allows air andwater-vapor to pass there through. The outer cover can comprise a singlelayer or multiple layers and these one or more layers can themselvescomprise similar or different materials. Suitable backsheet materialsinclude, but are not limited to, polyolefin films, nonwovens andfilm/nonwoven laminates. The particular structure and composition of theouter cover may be selected from various known films and/or fabrics withthe particular material being selected as appropriate to provide thedesired level of liquid barrier, strength, abrasion resistance, tactileproperties, aesthetics and so forth. Suitable outer covers include, butare not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,069 toWhitehead et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,799 to Tusim et al.; U.S. Pat. No.5,695,849 to Shawver et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,179 et al. to McCormacket al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,095 to Cheung et al.

The topsheet 14 functions to receive and take in fluids, such as urineor menses, and therefore comprises a liquid permeable material.Additionally, topsheets can further function to help isolate thewearer's skin from fluids held in the absorbent core 16. Topsheets cancomprise a single layer or multiple layers and these one or more layerscan themselves comprise similar or different materials. Topsheets arewell known in the art and may be manufactured from a wide variety ofmaterials such as, for example, porous foams, reticulated foams,apertured plastic films, woven materials, nonwoven webs, aperturenonwoven webs and laminates thereof. It is also well known that one ormore chemical treatments can be applied to the topsheet materials inorder to improve movement of the fluid through the topsheet and into thearticle. Suitable topsheets include, but not limited to, those describedin U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,644 to Matthews et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,643to Curro et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,625 Van Iten et al.; U.S. Pat. No.5,382,400 to Pike et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,533,991 to Kirby et al.; andU.S. Pat. No. 6,410,823 to Daley et al. Between the liquid pervioustopsheet 12 and liquid impervious backsheet 14 is positioned anabsorbent core 16. The absorbent core 16 functions to absorb andpreferably “lock-up” the bodily fluids that pass into the absorbentarticle 10 through the topsheet 12. The absorbent core can comprise asingle layer or multiple layers and these one or more layers canthemselves comprise similar or different materials. In order toefficiently and effectively utilize the absorbent capacity of thearticle, it is common for the absorbent core to include one or moreliquid distribution layers or wicking layers in combination with ahighly absorbent layer that preferentially absorbs and retains theliquids. Suitable wicking layers include, but are not limited to,bonded-carded webs, hydroentangled nonwoven webs, or spunbond webscontaining fibers treated with or containing one or more topical agentsthat improve the contact angle with the bodily fluid and/or modify theflow properties of the bodily fluid. Highly absorbent layers ofteninclude, but not limited to, batts or webs containing wood pulp fibers,superabsorbent particles, synthetic wood pulp fibers, synthetic fibersand combinations thereof. The absorbent core may comprise any one of anumber of materials and structures, the particular selection of whichwill vary with the desired loading capacity, flexibility, body fluid tobe absorbed and other factors known to those skilled in the art. By wayof example, suitable materials and/or structures for the absorbent coreinclude, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. No.4,610,678 to Weisman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,060,636 to Yahiaoui et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,903 to Latimer et al.; US20100174260 to Di Luccio etal.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,358,282 to Krueger t al.

The shape of the absorbent core can vary as desired and can comprise anyone of various shapes including, but not limited to, generallytriangular, rectangular, dog-bone and elliptical shapes. In oneembodiment, the absorbent core 16 has a shape that generally correspondswith the overall shape of the article 10 such that the absorbent coreterminates proximate the edge seal 18 and wings 20, 30. The dimensionsof the absorbent core can be substantially similar to those referencedabove with respect to the absorbent article 10; however it will beappreciated that the dimensions of the absorbent core 16 while similarwill often be slightly less than those of the overall absorbent article10 in order to be contained therein.

As previously indicated, the absorbent core 16 is positioned between thetopsheet 12 and backsheet 14. The individual layers comprising thearticle can be attached to one another using means known in the art suchas adhesive, heat/pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding and othersuitable mechanical attachments. Commercially available constructionadhesives usable in the present invention include, for example Rextacadhesives available from Huntsman Polymers of Houston, Tex., as well asadhesives available from Bostik Findley, Inc., of Wauwatosa, Wis. In oneembodiment, and in reference to FIG. 1, the absorbent core can be sealedbetween the topsheet 12 and backsheet 14 along the perimeter of theabsorbent core 16 along edge seal 18 formed by the application of heatand pressure to melt thermoplastic polymers located in the topsheet 12and/or backsheet 14.

The wings can be constructed from materials described above with respectto the topsheet and backsheet. In one embodiment, the wings can comprisean extension of a layer of material within the topsheet and/orbacksheet. By way of example and in reference to FIG. 1, the wings 20,30 can be formed by an extension of the topsheet 12 and backsheet 14that are welded together along edge seal 18. Such wings can beintegrally formed with the main portion of the absorbent article.Alternatively, the wings can be formed independently and separatelyattached to an intermediate section of the article. Wings that are madeindependent of the other components of the absorbent article can bewelded onto or adhesively joined to a portion of the topsheet and/orbacksheet. In addition, as is known in the art, when cutting materialsto the desired shape it is preferable to arrange the components so as tominimize waste. Examples of processes for manufacturing absorbentarticles and wings include, but are not limited to those described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,059,114 to Richards; U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,574 to Seidy etal. WO1997040804 to Emenaker et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,647 to Heindelet al.; US20040040650 to Venturino et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,070,672to Alcantara et al.

In order to further assist with the maintenance of the article 10 in thedesired location on the undergarment, garment adhesive (not shown) maybe applied to the garment facing side of the backsheet 14. The use ofgarment adhesive on the backsheet to help secure placement of anabsorbent article on the garment is well known in the art and there arenumerous adhesive patterns and releasable peel strips suitable for usewith the present invention. Examples of suitable garment adhesives,patterns and release sheets include, but are not limited to, thosedescribed in DE700225U1; U.S. Pat. No. 3,881,490 to Whitehead et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 3,913,580 Ginocchio; U.S. Pat. No. 4,337,772 to Roeder etal.; GB1349962 Roeder; U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,146 to Swanson et al.; andUS20070073255A1 to Thomas et al.

The absorbent articles of the present invention may further include oneor more components or elements as may be desired. By way of example, theabsorbent article may optionally include slits, voids or embossing onthe topsheet and/or absorbent core in order to improve fluid intake,fluid distribution, stiffness (bending resistance) and/or aestheticappeal. As a specific example and in reference to FIGS. 1 and 6,embossing 17 can extend into both the topsheet 12 and absorbent core 16.Examples of additional suitable embossing patterns and methods include,but are not limited to, those are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,710Megison et al.; EP769284A1 to Mizutani et al.; US20050182374 to Zanderet al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,790 to Rasmussen et al.

The personal care articles can, optionally, contain one or moreadditional elements or components as are known and used in the artincluding, but not limited to, the use of fold lines, individualwrappers, elasticated flaps that extend above the plain of the topsheetin use, additional independent wings such as about the ends, odorcontrol agents, perfumes, and the use of ink printing on one or moresurfaces of the topsheet, backsheet, wings or absorbent core. Stillfurther additional features and various constructions are known in theart. Thus, while the invention has been described in detail with respectto specific embodiments and/or examples thereof, it will be apparent tothose skilled in the art that various alterations, modifications andother changes may be made to the invention without departing from thespirit and scope of the same. It is therefore intended that the claimscover or encompass all such modifications, alterations and/or changes.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent personal care article comprising: awearer-facing side and a garment-facing side; an elongate shape definedby opposed first and second sides extending in a longitudinal directionand opposed front and rear ends extending in a transverse direction,said article having a longitudinal centerline; a liquid permeabletopsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core disposedbetween the liquid permeable topsheet and liquid impermeable backsheet;a first flap extending from the first side and having first and secondpeaks and a furrow positioned between said first and second peaks; asecond flap extending from the second side and having a first peak; afastener positioned on the garment facing side of at least one of thefirst and second flaps; wherein the first flap and the second flap aresized such that, when folded under the article and extended to lay flatagainst the liquid impermeable backsheet, the first peak of the secondflap extends across the longitudinal centerline of the article and intothe furrow of the first flap.
 2. The absorbent personal care article ofclaim 1 wherein the furrow of the first flap and the first peak of thesecond flap are sized and shaped to substantially conform with oneanother when the first and second flaps are folded under the article andextended to lay flat against the liquid impermeable backsheet.
 3. Theabsorbent personal care article of claim 2 wherein, when folded underthe article and extended to lay flat against the liquid impermeablebacksheet, the first flap and the second flap do not overlap therebyforming a gap between the first and second flaps.
 4. The absorbentpersonal care article of claim 3 wherein the gap between the first flapand second flap is less than 15 mm when the first and second flaps arefolded under the article and extended to lay flat against the liquidimpermeable backsheet.
 5. The absorbent personal care article of claim 4wherein the gap between the first flap and second flap is substantiallyuniform when the first and second flaps are folded under the article andextended to lay flat against the liquid impermeable backsheet.
 6. Theabsorbent personal care article of claim 1 wherein fasteners arepositioned each of on the peaks of the first and second flaps wherebythe fasteners extend across the longitudinal centerline of the articlewhen the first and second flaps are folded under the article andextended to lay flat against the liquid impermeable backsheet.
 7. Theabsorbent personal care article of claim 6 wherein the fastenerscomprise an adhesive and are located proximate to outer edges of thepeaks.
 8. The absorbent personal care article of claim 7 wherein, whenthe first and second flaps are folded under the article and extended tolay flat against the liquid impermeable backsheet, the fasteners lieentirely opposite the longitudinal centerline of the article relative tothe side that the respective wing is attached.
 9. The absorbent personalcare article of claim 1 wherein, when folded under the article andextended to lay flat against the liquid impermeable backsheet, the firstflap and the second flap overlap and have an area of overlap of at least50 mm².
 10. The absorbent personal care article of claim 1 wherein thefastener is located on at least one of the first or second flaps suchthat, when the first and second flaps are folded under and adjacent theliquid impermeable backsheet, the first flap and the second flap overlapand the fastener releasably joins superposed portions of the first andsecond flaps.
 11. The absorbent personal care article of claim 10wherein the first peak of the second flap overlaps a base of the furrowof the first flap when the first and second flaps are folded under thearticle and extended to lay flat against the liquid impermeablebacksheet.
 12. The absorbent personal care article of claim 11 whereinthe second flap has shoulders adjacent the first peak and furtherwherein the first peak of the first flap overlaps the shoulder of thesecond flap when the first and second flaps are folded under andadjacent the liquid impermeable backsheet.
 13. The absorbent personalcare article of claim 10 wherein, when the first and second flaps arefolded under the article and extended to lay flat against the liquidimpermeable backsheet, an intermediate portion of the first peak of thefirst flap overlaps an intermediate portion of the first peak of thesecond flap thereby forming an overlap region generally extending in thetransverse direction.
 14. The absorbent personal care article of claim 1wherein the first and second flaps extend between about 20-70% of thelength of the article.
 15. The absorbent personal care article of claim14 wherein the longitudinal distance from the middle of the first peakof the first flap to the middle of the furrow of the first flap peak isbetween about 20 and about 60 mm.
 16. The absorbent personal carearticle of claim 15 wherein the first and second flaps are centeredabout a transverse center line of the article.
 17. The absorbentpersonal care article of claim 1 wherein: the absorbent core has anasymmetrical shape having a front end having a greater width than therear end of the article; and further wherein the first peak of the firstflap is positioned forward of the second peak of the first flap; andfurther wherein the first peak of the first flap extends a greaterdistance from the longitudinal centerline than the second peak of thefirst flap.
 18. The absorbent article of claim 17 wherein the absorbentcore has a generally triangular shape.
 19. The absorbent personal carearticle of claim 1 wherein the second flap further includes a secondpeak and a furrow positioned between the first and second peaks andfurther wherein the first flap and second flap are sized and positionedsuch that, when folded under the article and extended to lay flatagainst liquid impermeable backsheet, the second peak of the first flapextends into the furrow of the second flap.
 20. The absorbent personalcare article of claim 1 wherein the first and second flaps areindependently formed from the topsheet and backsheet and are joined toat least one of the topsheet or backsheet.